OBJECTIVE to investigate whether any changes in the preload index (PLI) occur within the first 48 hours of fenoterol intravenous tocolysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Doppler evaluation of placental and fetal circulation was performed in 36 pregnant women prior to fenoterol administration and after 24/48 hours. Measurements were obtained from a longitudinal section of the inferior vena cava (IVC) a...

The uterorelaxant effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is regarded as an important mediator in maintenance of uterine quiescence during pregnancy with clinical potential for tocolysis, the mechanisms of which are unknown. The large conductance calcium-activated K(+) channel (BK(Ca)) is ubiquitously encountered in human uterine tissue and plays a significant role in modulating myometrial...

BACKGROUND As the second paper in a two-part series on preterm labor, this article discusses the management of preterm labor as it relates to risk reduction, tocolytic therapy, corticosteroids, and antibiotics. METHODS Published literature on the management of preterm labor was reviewed by searching MEDLINE files from 1983 to the present, using the terms "preterm labor," "premature labor," "p...

OBJECTIVES The aims were to evaluate whether any changes in blood flow in fetal inferior vena cava (IVC) are observed during Atosiban tocolysis within the first 48 hours of therapy. METHODS Detailed Doppler evaluation of blood flow in fetal IVC was performed prior to Atosiban administration and after 24 and 48 hours respectively. Maternal and fetal heart rate was assessed. IVC Doppler indices...

Preterm delivery is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and contributes significantly to infant morbidity. Classical cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors, such as indomethacin, which inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2, are effective for delaying premature labor, but their use is limited by serious complications to the fetus and neonate, including adverse effects on the ductus arteriosus (DA). Using is...

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a 9-amino acid peptide that is secreted from the posterior pituitary in response to high plasma osmolality and hypotension. AVP has important roles in circulatory and water homoeostasis, which are mediated by oxytocin receptors and by AVP receptor subtypes: V(1a) (mainly vascular), V(1b) (pituitary), and V(2) (renal). Vaptans are orally and intravenously active non...

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a cyclic nonapeptide that is centrally synthesized in the hypothalamus. Vasopressin has a plethora of biological effects including not only organ regulation but also behavioral ones, which are mediated by the vasopressin-receptor subtypes V1a (vascular), V1b (pituitary) V2 (renal), and oxytocin receptors. Recently, non-peptide vasopressin receptor–selective agonist...

The case of a 32-year-old parturient with a quintuplet pregnancy is described. The pregnancy had been complicated by premature labour which was treated with ritodrine tocolysis. Betamethasone was administered to hasten fetal lung maturation. The ritodrine therapy was complicated with fluid overload and pulmonary oedema requiring intravenous diuretic treatment. The patient presented urgently for...

Rupture of uterus is an obstetrical complication characterized by a breach in the uterine wall and the overlying serosa. We report an unusual case of spontaneous rupture of an unscarred uterus in a 33-year-old woman, a day after her third successful vaginal delivery. A 33-year-old pregnant woman, gravid 3, para 3, was referred to our department at 39 gestational week because of rupture of membr...